MERI

Support MERI

MERI is a network of North Carolina organizations with a mission to end racism and Islamophobia by building a movement that challenges all forms of oppression. The year 2017 brings increased challenges for Muslims, immigrants, African Americans, workers, women, and the LGBTQ community. We’ve seen a rapid rise in hate attacks against all marginalized people since the conclusion of the 2016 election. More than ever, we need a strong grassroots, intersectional movement that empowers all marginalized communities in order to defeat the forces of hate.

Islamophobia workshop at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on April 18, 2016

During the year 2016, MERI members facilitated 30 presentations and 11 workshops on Islamophobia throughout North Carolina and other states. These educational events were organized to explore the roots of Islamophobia; the connection between anti-Muslim bigotry and other forms of oppression; and strategies to defeat this systemic bigotry. Read about 2016 events HERE.

Islamophobia-Presentation-NC-Council-of-Churches-1 Islamophobia Presentation at NC Council of Churches Meeting on June 7, 2016

MERI members also participated in 12 protests and demonstrations against anti-Muslim bigotry, racism, transphobia and other forms of oppression. We published 23 articles and op-eds against bigotry and structural racism in local and national media. 30 media stories covered MERI’s grassroots activities to challenge racism and Islamophobia. Read about media coverage HERE.

Protest Against Anti-Muslim Speech in Chapel Hill on October 18, 2016

MERI was able to accomplish a dramatic growth in its activities based on robust work in building a large coalition of allies working against Islamophobia, racism and other forms of oppression. MERI was also able to support grassroots work by impacted Muslim community members under the leadership of Muslims for Social Justice.

Muslims for Social Justice organized a discussion racism and Islamophobia at As-Salaam Islamic Center on December 14, 2016

MERI needs your SUPPORT in order to continue our mission in 2017.We have a goal to raise $8,000 by the end of January 2017. Your funds will allow us to:

Support a paid MERI organizer who can do robust outreach to our allies, grow MERI network, and recruit new volunteers

Provide stipends for workshop facilitators and speakers

Support the activist work of Muslims for Social Justice, which is organizing with Muslim families and individuals directly impacted by hate violence

Anti-KKK Rally in Raleigh on December 3, 2016

In addition to raising $8,000, we hope to grow our capacity by raising 100 new volunteers. If you would like to volunteer with MERI in 2017, please click HERE to let us know!

MERI is a member supported organization. The money you give to support this work makes a difference. You can make tax-deductible donation HERE.

We also hope to sign up 10 new monthly sustainers to support our work — can you give $5, $10, or more each month in 2017?

Would you like to host a house-party for MERI fundraiser? Please contact us at info@merinc.org. We thank you for your support.

Islamophobia Workshop at the University of South Carolina in Columbia on November 17, 2016